World War I bombs found in Courtmacsherry

Discovery made during dredging works, leading to part of pier being closed 

The two shells, shaped like large bullets that are two-and-a-half foot by 18 inches in dimension, were initially thought to date from World War II. Picture: Noel Baker

Two World War I bombs discovered near the pier in the fishing village of Courtmacsherry have removed from the area so they can be safely disposed of.

The surprise find of explosives that had laid buried near the West Cork village came shortly before lunchtime on Monday when a machine operator in charge of dredging machinery spotted one of the two ordnance in disturbed material.

The two shells, shaped like large bullets that are two-and-a-half foot by 18 inches in dimension, were initially thought to date from World War II, but an examination at the scene, carried out by the 1 Brigade Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team within the Defence Forces, based in Collins Barracks in Cork, found they were much older.

Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team arrive in West Cork after the discovery. Picture: Noel Baker

The ordnance from the other end of the last century was initially deemed to be of such significant risk that it needed to be removed for safe disposal.

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However, the Defence Forces later confirmed that when four controlled explosions were carried out on the two '130kg projectiles of historical provenance (World War 1 era)' they were found to be "free from explosives".

The surprise discovery was made by contractors dredging an area of the bay on behalf of Cork County Council.

Courtmacsherry RNLI Lifeboat Station DLA and press officer, Vincent O'Donovan, confirmed the discovery had been made and the area sealed off, describing what was found as "little torpedos".

His RNLI colleague, Mark Gannon, said of the two ordnance that were found: "They are like a bomb you'd see in World War II flying out of a plane."

A recent meeting of Cork County Council’s Western Committee heard that dredging works were due to commence at Courtmacsherry Harbour on August 8, with the removal of more than 150 truck loads of waste material expected to be taken from the area.

It is understood the operator of the dredging machine, owned by contractor MJS Civil Engineering, first spotted the shells.

A World War I bomb that was found in Courtmacsherry.

Archaeologist Julianna O’Donoghue, who is working in the project, said the serial number on the shells would indicate how old they were and their likely origin. However, she said they appeared to be too heavy to have floated or been carried by the water into the pier area, meaning it was more likely that they may have fallen off a vessel in the pier area.

She said of the find: “it looks like it is in perfect condition.” Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team arrived in Courtmacsherry just before 3pm, at which point the two shells were in separate areas of the pier area.

Gardaí closed off much of the Main Street in Courtmacsherry, turning back traffic approaching the popular village at either end.